Frequently Asked Questions

The members of the Whistler Alpine Guides Bureau’s team have been chosen for their expertise and experience within their field. With a staff of over 20 professionals, all with their own unique backgrounds and experience, we employ only the best instructors and guides, all of whom are certified in advanced first aid and have a strong background leading in the outdoors. All ski, rock climbing and alpine guides are trained and certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG).

Absolutely not. We only require participants to be comfortable and confident on ski resort intermediate terrain [blue runs] in variety of snow conditions. If you are unsure of your ability please contact us for more information. Your experienced ski guide will provide instruction on backcountry equipment usage and safely lead you through magnificent ski touring terrain and down some memorable ski descents.

For backcountry ski/snowboard programs - Participants need a backcountry touring set up. For skiers -backcountry skis mounted with either Alpine Touring or Telemark bindings and for snowboarders - a split-board. You also need skins (for skis or split board) and an avalanche safety kit (transceiver, shovel and probe). Poles are required for skiers (preferably with "powder" basket) and for snowboarders (telescopic poles which can be placed in the backpack during the descents). Skis and split-boards (with skins) and poles are available for rent at WAGB at a discounted rate. WAGB supplies an avalanche safety kit for all tour participants at no additional cost.

For AST courses - While a backcountry touring set up (Alpine Touring or Telemark) with skins is rquired for skiers, snowboarders can choose between split-board and skins option or their own snowboard with snowshoes for touring. Snowboarders and skiers would require poles (note information in the previous paragraph). Each participant would need an avalanche safety kit (transceiver, shovel and probe). Touring skis, split-boards, skins, snowshoes, poles and an avalanche safety kit are available for rent at WAGB at a discounted rate.

We strongly recommend wearing synthetic or wool clothing over cotton while in the backcountry, especially in the winter time. Cotton does not wick moisture and can become abrasive when wet. When this happens you must watch out for blisters. In addition, because cotton holds so much moisture, it can hold that moisture against your body and sap body heat from you. This can quickly lead to hypothermia. Cotton also gets heavy when wet.

A second tip would be in one word – layers! When you dress in layers it allows you to adjust better to the temperature changes of your body and of the environment.

Yes, we use the lifts for quick access to the backcountry of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Discounted lift tickets (backcountry tickets) are available for sale at our office. If you are a season pass holder on WhistlerBlackcomb, no additional lift tickets are required.

Whistler lies within the Coast Mountain Range which is characterized by moderate temperatures and heavy precipitation. With some of the highest amount of precipitation in North America, Whistler area is blessed with an abundance of snow.  Temperatures vary dramatically between the lowland coastal and the adjacent alpine area and average at -10C in the alpine. For current weather and freezing levels please refer to the following link: http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/weather/forecast/index.htm

It depends. We always look for where the best ice conditions are. At times programs are held in Whistler area and at times we travel further north to the Duffey Lake area.

To participate in our ski and snowboard programs we ask participants to be comfortable and confident on ski resort intermediate terrain [blue runs] in variety of snow conditions. Ice climbing programs such as customized ice tour or introductory ice course, are designed for absolute beginners.

Definitely. A number of our programs are geared to more advanced skiers/snowboarders (advanced backcountry travel clinic, ski mountaineering and AST level 2) and of course our privately guided tours allow you to choose the pace and difficulty, conditions allowing.

Absolutely! Call us for more details.

Earn your Turnes, Beyond the Boundaries clinic, AST 1 course and Spearhead Traverse depart from Whistler Village.

Some ski and ice climbing programs will require transportation from Whistler Village to the tour location.

Transportation is not included in the tour's price. If you don't have your own means of transportation,

contact us and transportation arrangements can be made for additional charges.

Check out whistler.com for a good selection of local hotels. If you will be travelling on a budget then you can find a list of local hostels here.

For clients who are planning on booking our Earn Your Turns tour, we have the perfect package for you - Stay & Play: a great all inclusive combo.

Call us for more details.

Booking Policy:

- All participants must sign a waiver in order to participate in the program.
- Persons under the age of 19 years must have their waiver witnessed by a parent or legal guardian. 
- All booking cancellations will result in a $25 plus HST cancellation fee per person.
- Failure to cancel 24 hours before single-day program or 7 days before a multi-day program will result loss of tuition for that program.
- All programs are subject to cancellation pending adequate registration.
 
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Our office is located in The Village North section of Whistler Village, between the Gazebo at Town Plaza and the Olympic Rings, Adjacent to Rocky Mountain Soap Company and Rogers Wireless.